video | un: wooden sword

[vdovy]

BACKDATED TO FEBRUARY 13TH

[ As soon as she is dismissed by the king, Yelena hurries to find a hidden corner of the fortress from which to broadcast. When the video starts, she looks flushed and sounds slightly out of breath, as if she was just running. ]

First of all, I must thank whichever one of you tipped off the king about the anonymous message claiming he sold us to Rathakku. He accused me of plotting his assassination so that was fun.

[ She glares into her stopwatch communicator, unamused. ] Maybe loop me in next time, yes?

[ A dismissive wave of her hand before she moves on to the real reason for this video. ]

We had an interesting conversation. Of all of us, I have probably spent the most time around Deimar. I do not believe he has sold us to Rathakku. I can't get into the details but I am asking everyone to please trust my judgment. I am not easy to convince.

More importantly, whether or not we've been sold is the least of our worries. There is something in Alem that Rathakku is after. Something he wants even more than hell itself. We need to figure out what it is and keep it from him.

I am also worried for Cle-Florens. I don't think her safety is Alem's priority. [ That's her delicate way of saying the poor girl has shitty brothers. ] We need to find a way to keep her protected.

Okay, I think that's everything. Bye! [ Another wave of her hand, this one much friendlier, and then the video goes dark. ]

Comments

[vdovy]

Lan Wangji casts his vote for kidnapping! I am really rubbing off on you.

[downswing]

For liberation.

[vdovy]

I knew you were a feminist.

I think liberation is the easy part. Keeping her hidden will be the real challenge.

[downswing]

They intend a forthcoming caravan.

[vdovy]

That could work if she would cooperate but I'm told she is committed to fulfilling her duty as princess.

[downswing]

Abduction seldom demands consent.

[vdovy]

We need her to stay hidden, not alert the entire caravan that the missing princess is in their midst.

[downswing]

We ask those who may soothe her.

[vdovy]

There is a witch prepared to put her to sleep for the initial abduction but eventually she will wake.

[downswing]

Even if she returns, we delay them.

[vdovy]

Ideally, we would have someone in the caravan to watch over her and report back. Maybe we can pool funds and pay off another evacuee?

[downswing]

We have such coin?

[vdovy]

Well, I haven't spent any— [ hooray for theft ] —but no, there probably isn't much left to pool by now. There must be something of value we can offer.

[downswing]

No bodies, no bones.


( These things must be said. )

[vdovy]

You're worried about evidence?

[ she may have misunderstood ]

[downswing]

( Motherfu — )

About the price paid.